Not far ahead of Billy was a moderately sized open space, and beyond that lay the main courtyard of the Celestial Pavilion sect.
At that moment, people were gradually making their way into the courtyard. The guards at the entrance did not obstruct anyone and welcomed guests with smiles.
Soon, Billy followed the crowd to the central square within the sect’s courtyard.
The square was already bustling with noise and packed with people, roughly estimated to be nearly ten thousand.
In the center stood a circular stage surrounded by tiered seating, capable of accommodating about ten thousand spectators.
After walking around, Billy found an empty spot in a corner and sat down.
“Billy, be careful. This courtyard is not simple!” Purple Spirit’s voice echoed in his mind shortly after he sat down.
“Understood,” Billy replied mentally as he shifted his consciousness inward.
He had already investigated upon entering the courtyard. Without even considering the deeper parts of the manor, the buildings surrounding the stage were not ordinary.
By his estimation, there were at least forty to fifty Condensed Kun Realm experts, with nearly ten of them being in the mid to late stages of the realm.
Additionally, among the two to three thousand Celestial Pavilion disciples standing around the square, there were at least a hundred Supreme Source Realm warriors in the late stages.
The strength of Celestial Pavilion, ranking in the top ten of the eighth-tier star domain’s elite sects, was indeed formidable.
Billy also scanned the attendees and found several dozen individuals with Condensed Kun Realm cultivation.
“Billy, is the old master of Celestial Pavilion really so kind-hearted to not only reveal the Heaven Book but also teach everyone how to comprehend it?” Purple Spirit continued.
“Obviously not!” White Feather’s voice chimed in. “Who knows what his true intentions are! Be careful, Billy!”
“Understood,” Billy responded.
He too doubted that Celestial Pavilion could be so benevolent.
In fact, he had a vague suspicion but wasn’t entirely certain yet.
“Sir, you are here too?” A woman’s voice sounded nearby at that moment.
Billy turned to see the same woman in plain clothes he had met three days ago at a teahouse, still dressed the same way.
“Didn’t I tell you to stay away from me?” Billy glanced at her.
“Sir, I’m sorry. I apologize,” the woman said as she sat down in the empty spot next to Billy.
“I admit I did steal their things that day, but those things were taken from others by force. They weren’t theirs either.”
“They killed hundreds of people to get those things. I just couldn’t stand it.”
As she spoke, she took out a storage ring and handed it to Billy.
“Sir, take this storage ring as my apology. The items inside…”
“I don’t need it!” Billy interrupted her.
“Sir, please take it. I have no use for it!” the woman insisted.
“This is a mystic art related to bloodline cultivation. I heard from Bloodforged Gate members that for those with special bloodlines, mastering this mystic art can greatly enhance their power in critical moments.”
“However, there are side effects. After using the mystic art, one will experience temporary exhaustion. So unless it’s a critical moment…”
“How do you know my bloodline is special?” Billy’s eyes narrowed slightly at her words.
“I… I don’t know!” The woman shook her head in confusion.
“I just thought that since Bloodforged Gate valued it so much, it must be important. Keeping it might be useful for you or as a gift for a friend…”
“Who are you really? What else haven’t you told me?” Billy interrupted her again.
He was now somewhat curious about this woman’s identity.
Since she appeared at the teahouse that day, she hadn’t spoken a single truth. But one thing was certain-she was targeting him.
Even the Bloodforged Gate item was clearly not random. She likely knew about his special bloodline and used this item to test his reaction.
“Sir, you can call me Greta! That’s what everyone calls me!” The woman continued.
“Don’t want to say? Then don’t. But from now on, stay out of my sight!” Billy responded.
“Sir, I really have nothing more to hide…” Greta said again.
Before she could finish speaking, five people descended from the rear of the manor and landed on the stage.
Leading them was an elderly man in the white robe who exuded kindness and had a gentle smile on his face.
This man was none other than Celestial Pavilion’s former master, Celestial Sage!
He was highly respected not only near Celestial City but also throughout the entire eighth-tier star domain.
Even sects with strength comparable to Celestial Pavilion held him in high regard.
Following him were the current master of Celestial Pavilion and three members of the elder council.
Billy assessed the strength of the five on stage and narrowed his eyes slightly.
Celestial Sage was at ninth-rank Condensed Kun Realm, the current master at eighth-rank Condensed Kun Realm, and among the three elders, one was eighth-rank while the other two were seventh-rank Condensed Kun Realm.
Indeed, a top-tier sect ranked in the top ten. These individuals alone were unmatched by ordinary sects.
“It’s been years, yet Sage, you remain as graceful as ever!”
“In such a short time, Sage, your strength has improved again. Truly admirable!”
“Sage is indeed a revered and benevolent figure. To share the Heaven Book with everyone requires great magnanimity!”
As Celestial Sage appeared, murmurs spread through the audience.
“Friends, please quiet down!”
Soon after, Celestial Sage looked around and spoke loudly with a smile. His voice, amplified by true energy, reached everyone’s ears.
As he finished speaking, the crowd quickly quieted down.
“First of all, on behalf of Celestial Pavilion, I welcome all friends who have come from afar!” Celestial Sage continued.
“The purpose of inviting everyone here today should be clear…”
“Sage, no need for pleasantries. Can we see what the Heaven Book looks like first?” A burly man near the stage spoke loudly.
“Yes! We’ve heard about the Heaven Book for so long but never seen it. We’re eager!” Another man added.
“Sage, please satisfy our curiosity first!” An old woman called out loudly.
“Hahaha…” Celestial Sage laughed heartily. “In that case, I’ll oblige!”
He then took out a scroll from his storage ring and waved his hand. The Heaven Book floated above the stage and slowly unfurled.
Swish!
Everyone looked up simultaneously…